With the sun shining, it feels almost balmy after the wild weather of the past week. These warm rays of sun mark the always bittersweet passage known as the last official day of the Portland Farmers' Market. After braving last week's whipping winds, these farmers deserve a beautiful send-off for the season.

The crowds are much thinner at this time of year (especially when compared to the height of summer at the farmers' market), which makes me super thankful for the farmers who continue to show up to keep us Portlanders feed.

Such as ...

Pheonix O'Brien, who can be found manning the Freedom Farm stand.

And Chris Cavendish, who owns Fishbowl Farm.

And Daniel and Holly Perron, who own Sumner Valley Farm.

And Simon Frost, who owns Thirty Acre Farm.

The farmers from Uncle's Farm Stand and Beckwith Gardens plan to come back next Wednesday, although both say they will mainly have wreaths and holiday greenery.

Early this morning, the farmers were doing a steady trade in Thanksgiving staples, including pre-ordered turkeys. If you're looking for inspiration for your holiday table, here are a few tempting local eats:

Long pie pumpkin (Maine's preferred pumpkin pie squash) and other assorted squash.

Or you can purchase squash already chopped at Beckwith Gardens.

Apple cider makes a great holiday drink, particularly when you heat it and add mulling spices.

And what would Thanksgiving be without homemade cranberry sauce?

So before you get ready for tomorrow's big feed, head over to the farmers' market (it'll be open until 2 pm today) and give a big thanks to this wonderful group of folks who keep us fed all season long. And should you want to keep eating local all year, sign-up for the every other week email notifications that will allow you to order fresh food straight from the farm.

Thanks farmers! I can't wait to see you in the spring!